Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 309-313).

Contents Note:

Pt. 1: The stroke. Along came a blackbird ; A year of grace ; Rites of passage -- Pt. 2: Fast medicine. The tyranny of hope ; Inventing lifesaving and transforming death ; My father's open heart -- Pt. 3: Ordeal. Not getting better ; Dharma sisters ; Broke-down palace ; White water -- Pt. 4: Rebellion. The sorcerer's apprentice ; The business of lifesaving ; Deactivation -- Pt. 5: Acceptance. The art of dying ; Afterward -- Pt. 6: Grace. Valerie makes up her mind ; Old plum tree bent and gnarled -- Pt. 7: Into the light. A better way of death ; A map through the labyrinth ; Notes for a new art of dying.

Summary:

"A blend of memoir and investigation of the choices we face when our terror of death collides with the technological imperatives of modern medicine"-- Provided by publisher.